Although theme is rarely what a movie sells on, your movie better have a theme or ‘it won’t stick’. And sometimes the logline contains the theme, but it doesn’t have to.
The theme is what most people are not aware of while they’re watching the film but it ultimately makes the story resonate. It is how you make a statement as a writer about your world view.
Sometimes, when the theme becomes more present towards the end of the movie, people will talk about it afterwards. That discussion can be great for the word of mouth around your movie.
Do you know what your theme is?
If you don’t, don’t despair. It may very well be in there. You just need to identify it. And once you’ve done so, you can move on and make it stronger in the next draft.
It is said that the theme of a film is expressed through subplots and supporting characters. This is partially true. Particularly in your early development, first you need to look at your Hero and the statement you are trying to make through this character.
I’ll give you a few techniques to find the theme(s) in your movie.
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